The Fiat Grande Punto range has just expanded further with the arrival of the new 1.4 T-Jet 120 Sporting. This major new addition to the popular range combines performance and driving enjoyment with Fiat’s advanced engine technology. The brand new T-Jet petrol engine uses the latest turbocharging expertise to give outstanding power and torque but with notably low emissions and fuel consumption.

This brand new family of turbocharged petrol engines, known as the T-Jet, made their debut on the C-segment Bravo model a month ago, and feature outstanding performance, prompt response to the accelerator, low consumption, constructional simplicity, sturdiness and reliability. The new 1.4 T-Jet 16v turbo engine is available in two versions: the first, which is now part of the Bravo model range, delivers a maximum of 110 kW (150 bhp) at 5,500 rpm, while the second, which is making its debut now in the Grande Punto delivers 90 kW (120 bhp) at 5,000 rpm. Both offer a peak torque of 206 Nm (at 2,000 rpm on the 110 kW, and at 1,750 rpm on the 90 kW).

The 1.4 T-Jet engine is very elastic, requiring fewer gear changes, for an enjoyable, relaxed driving style, but it will respond assertively if the driver puts his foot down. This is one effect of the low inertia of the turboblower, which makes it possible to obtain top performance by acting on the accelerator, with none of the annoying delays typical of this type of engine. The result is outstanding sportiness combined with fuel economy.

The outstanding reliability of the engine is guaranteed by the hundreds of thousands of kilometres driven by prototypes during the development stage, in addition to thousands of hours of static and dynamic tests on the bench. The first maintenance is programmed after 30,000 km, and there is no need for any intermediate servicing. The oil/water heat exchange guarantees these results. The oil filter is of the environment-friendly type. The computerised engine control system manages all functions using sophisticated calculation algorithms. The accelerator control is of the 'drive-by-wire' type, without mechanical connections, so that the driver can obtain the relaxed or sporty response he wants from the engine, without wasting energy.

These excellent results have been obtained by painstaking design and development of all the engine components, demanding over 120,000 hours of activity. State-of-the-art computer-assisted design and calculation systems were used, making it possible to simulate the greatest stress caused by the turboblower.
 

All the major components have been re-designed, so that we could describe the engine as completely new. Particular attention was paid to fluid dynamics and combustion, to minimise energy losses and to obtain top performance and low consumption, and the results were guaranteed by sophisticated experimental analysis.

This responsive new engine gives the Grande Punto a 0-62mph time of just 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 121mph. However, fuel consumption is modest, returning 42.8mpg on the combined cycle, while the engine emits just 155g/km CO2. Available in both three- and five-door versions, the new Grande Punto 1.4 T-Jet 120 is based on the range’s Sporting trim level, and comes packed with stylish standard equipment, including: 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, sports seats, leather steering wheel, chrome tailpipe, spoiler and sideskirts, ESP and six airbags. It also features Blue & Me, Fiat’s innovative voice-activated music and communications system, developed in conjunction with Microsoft.

The new T-Jet 120 has gone on sale in Italy, while its arrival in the UK sees it join the 25-strong Grande Punto range at a buoyant time – Fiat UK has sold more than 58,000 units in the UK since the car’s introduction last year, and the combination of Grande Punto’s affordable style combined with the T-Jet engine’s performance, economy and low emissions, makes the car a serious proposition in a crowded segment of the market place. Recommended UK retail prices for the 1.4 T-Jet 120 are £11,995 for the three-door model and £12,595 for the five-door.